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The team from Charity Navigator, the nation's largest independent charity evaluator and leading donor advocate, shares their thoughts on emerging nonprofit-sector issues and offers tips to better inform your intelligent giving decisions.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Charity Navigator Analyst Interview: Mariah Ross

Friday is rolling around once again, which means it's time to introduce you to another person on Charity Navigator's Analyst Team: Mariah Ross. Mariah is a Program Analyst and resident Beyoncé aficionado.

What’s your favorite animal video?

What’s the best part of working at Charity Navigator?

Working at Charity Navigator is like working for every charity in the sector. I get to leave work knowing I’ve helped multiple organizations around the world towards fulfilling their missions- and it’s AWESOME.

What’s the best question about Charity Navigator that you’ve ever gotten?

“Is checking your ratings enough to make an informed giving decision?” No! Checking ratings on Charity Navigator is a great starting place in making your giving decision, but don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the charity on a personal level. Call that charity and you can ask about anything- challenges faced, successes, impact, goals, anything!

What you love most about your role at Charity Navigator?

Charity Navigator is big on professional development and collaboration, which means I’ve gotten to attend some really cool conferences, like NTEN and the Classy Collaborative, where I learned a ton from my peers, and I’ve gotten to pick up some new skills, like making images.

What’s your favorite office memory?

One morning last summer I came into the office not so excited to get to work- what can I say, I’m a person! After getting in the swing of the day, our CEO came into the office and he had a PUPPER! I was so excited literally cried.

Which charity set are you most passionate about and why? Human & Civil Rights. These charities are working to dismantle systemic oppression, to achieve dignity for all people, to educate, and to fight on behalf of those who can’t fight for themselves for a variety of reasons. These organizations are brave! They take on institutions, governments, laws, and widely held misconceptions. Their work is deeply personal to me.

What’s one thing you wish people knew about the charitable sector/non-profits? Oftentimes, donors will say they don’t have an interest in paying salaries and request that their donations go exclusively to programs. While I can understand wanting your donation to make change, charities can’t do anything without people. The nonprofit sector is comprised of real people who work HARD! Supporting the causes you care for includes supporting nonprofit staff!

Where do you see Charity Navigator in 5 years?

In five years, Charity Navigator’s going to reach a lot more people. As we reach more people, we will be continuously improving, growing as an organization, and deepening our ratings. It’s going to be great!

What’s a secret skill you have that no one knows about?

I can blow up a balloon with my nose. I know. It’s weird that I know that.